Seasonal changes and gastric complaints: some help from nature
With the arrival of autumn, many people experience an increase in gastric disorders: heartburn, acidity, epigastric pain, and digestive difficulties become unwanted companions during this season. This is not just a perception: several epidemiological studies show a real seasonality of digestive disorders, with peaks in incidence during the coldest months of the year.
There are both physiological and behavioral reasons for this correlation. However, nature offers us traditional solutions that are now backed by scientific evidence, which help protect our digestive system even when temperatures drop.
Why do digestive disorders increase in autumn and winter?
Scientific research has consistently documented an increase in gastric disorders during the cold months in different geographical areas. For at least 15 years, it has been known that peaks in hospitalizations for peptic ulcers occur mainly in autumn and winter; however, the reasons for this seasonal trend have been better understood recently.
As in the case of mood and sleep disorders (which we discussed in a recent article), changes in daylight hours alter the circadian rhythm, negatively impacting the production of certain hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate many vital functions.
Furthermore, low temperatures not only affect our external comfort but also have a direct impact on gastric physiology. Scientific studies have shown that in extreme cold climates, the expression of certain proteins that play a protective role for the gastric wall and gastric mucus thickness can be significantly reduced compared to warm climates.
Behavioral factors
In addition to physiological changes caused by shorter daylight hours and lower temperatures, the autumn and winter months bring significant changes in lifestyle and eating habits. The cold weather leads to a more sedentary lifestyle and a preference for more processed and high-calorie foods, reducing the intake of fluids, fresh fruit, and vegetables, with a negative impact on our digestive system.
Finally, the immune system can also be weakened by seasonal illnesses, making the body more vulnerable.
Gastritis and Helicobacter pylori
Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative, acid-resistant bacterium found in about 50% of the world's population, responsible for 90% of duodenal ulcers and 80% of gastric ulcers. As we discussed in detail in an article some time ago, this bacterium colonizes the gastric mucosa, progressively destroying the protective linings and exposing it to the corrosive action of gastric juice. Although the data are not always consistent, it is believed that Helicobacter pylori infection may also have a seasonal pattern; moreover, symptoms may be exacerbated by seasonal changes. For this reason, an approach that combines mucosal protection and specific antibacterial action may be useful during the critical months.
The natural approach: plant extracts for gastric protection
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, with measures such as physical activity even in the cold months, using relaxation techniques to fight stress, paying attention to diet and sleep hygiene, etc., is certainly the first step to support gastric well-being.
In addition, high-quality plant extracts, backed by solid scientific evidence, are a valuable resource for facing the cold months with greater confidence. In fact, they can offer natural help by acting on several fronts: from specific antibacterial activity against H. pylori to anti-inflammatory effect and mechanical protection of the gastric mucosa.
Gastalagin®: targeted action against H. pylori and inflammation
Gastalagin® is a patented extract developed by EPO based on a scientific study published in 2024. It is a synergistic blend of extracts from chestnut leaves (Castanea sativa Mill.) and aerial parts of pink rockrose (Cistus x incanus L.), standardized in specific ellagitannins: castalagin and vescalagin.
The rationale behind the blend relies on the observation that the biological activities of chestnut and Cistus x incanus are not exactly overlapping: the antibacterial and anti-adhesive components prevail in pink rockrose, while the anti-inflammatory component is stronger in chestnut. Their combination therefore creates an interesting synergistic effect, which has also been demonstrated in vivo in a rodent model (data to be published), particularly concerning the antioxidant properties.
An added value of Gastalagin® is represented by the origin of our chestnut leaves: they come mainly from an Italian supply chain as part of a major program to protect chestnut woods in Lombardy. This approach is an example of the circular economy, where a by-product of chestnut harvesting is valorized for the production of high-quality extracts.
For more technical details on Gastalagin®, please refer to the dedicated brochure.
THYMOX®: digestive and antispasmodic support
Thymus vulgaris L. is a Mediterranean plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, traditionally used as a natural remedy for coughs and for many other applications, including digestive, antispasmodic, carminative, and antioxidant properties.
THYMOX® is a thyme extract developed by EPO, obtained from the aerial parts harvested during the flowering period, when the concentration of active ingredients is at its peak. The extract contains essential oils (particularly thymol), tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenes.
Digestive and spasmolytic properties
In a preclinical study, THYMOX® was found to relax the smooth muscle of the proximal stomach in different experimental models, suggesting a possible use in functional dyspepsia, i.e., gastric disorders with no identifiable organic cause.
Carminative and antioxidant action
Thyme has a long traditional use as a carminative, promoting the elimination of intestinal gas and reducing bloating, often associated with gastric disorders. Its antioxidant activity also helps protect the cells of the gastric mucosa from oxidative stress, which can be exacerbated during inflammatory processes.
For technical details on THYMOX®, please refer to the dedicated documentation.
Marshmallow and Mallow: the barrier effect
When the gastric mucosa is damaged, the mucilage of Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) and Mallow (Malva sylvestris L.) can offer mechanical protection.
Mucilage belongs to the polysaccharide family and is mainly responsible for the biological activity of these plants. Its mechanism of action is as simple as it is effective: when soaked with water, it swells, increasing significantly in volume and forming a gelatinous matrix that adheres to epithelial tissues, shielding the mucosa from the aggressive action of gastric juices.
Our Marshmallow and Mallow extracts are standardized in mucilage (min. 25%) to guarantee the matrix effect described above.
For more technical information on EPO's Marshmallow and Mallow extracts, specific documentation is available on our website.